b'| ELITEHEALTH GUIDEStress Management: Children, Teenagers, Adults, And Older AdultsOur Stress-Filled ExperiencesHow We Can Cope By Kate NoonanA lthough stress can motivate us with a needed, healthy focus, weteem; and lack of needed academic abilities. Erica Leahy, of the Brandmans often feel overwhelmed with individual and worldly concerns. Irvine, California campus and her presenters/educators, discussed the We may experience fear from factors in the world in whichneeds for teacher-student contact and communication. Teachers must we live. We view unexplained, violent shootings to innocent childrenshow empathy, care, and interest for these students. Suggestions for teach-and adults in schools, shopping malls, and entertainment centers. ers included offering food as a class motivator; making learning enjoyable; We hear reports of bacteria in food sources, cancer-causing sub- praise for any small effort; and to establish an atmosphere of kindness/stances in medications, and possible asbestos in a popular product usedno bullying/respect. It is essential to recognize when a referral to support by both babies and adults. services is needed, such as a school psychology referral. Recognize when a There may be predictions of layoffs and business reversals basedchild needs extra time academically and extra attention.on a recent theme of financial markets demonstrating almost weeklyA colleague, known to this author/therapist, helped Big Brothers Big extremes in buy-and-sell of stocks/investments. Sisters (BBBS) in Cleveland, Ohio for over ten years as both a volunteer Political uncertainty in domestic and world nations often leave usand case worker. She helped children and teenagers with opportunities wondering how we are to continue as safe and secure. for one-to-one emotional support. In one instance, this support was Along with universal worries, children, teenagers, adults, and olderprovided before significant problems with school and emotional func-adults face individual developmental stressors. tioning were apparent. She offered individual time and social, entertain-ing experiences not easily available to this child. One delightful occasion BEING A CHILD: GROWING, EXPERIENCING, AND COPING was a never-experienced day at a city carnival.Children experience significant stressors, to include the problem of social media. They often feel friends are more popular; better academ- TEENAGE DIFFICULTIES AND STRESS MANAGEMENT SUPPORTSically; skilled in age-related sports; more attractive. They may demon- Teens often struggle with identify issues; lack of self-esteem; career strate a lesser ability to sleep, with worry regarding an increase in dailychoice indecision; physical/hormonal and related emotional dilemmas; homework. There seems to be a decrease in classes in art, music, andfamily problems; new relationship/sexual questions; and the wish to be physical education that may serve as stress reducers. Bullying and teasingindependent from family. They may also have to make decisions about may be common experiences. Family problems with finances or physi- the probable availability of drugs in the school environment.cal and emotional illnesses may be present.Children may seem unableAs an occupational therapist, this author/therapist evaluated and offered to participate in school studies and activities; show social withdrawal;individual and group treatments on a young adult hospital unit. Teens were indicate physical problems; and demonstrate increased mood changes. interested in group sessions that explored values and interests. In creative Brandman Universitys School of Education (October, 2019) offered aart/writing sessions, they explored joys and life conflicts. Grooming ses-webinar to address the coping needs of at-risk, unmotivated students. Theysions had an added benefit of promoting socialization regarding self-esteem discussed the difficulties of gang influence; divorce in the home; addedissues. Stress management discussions and guided image relaxation tapes ISTOCKsibling responsibilities with divorce; school absenteeism; decreased self-es- were teen-requested and enthusiastically appreciated. www.elitecme.com |2019| ELITEHEALTH GUIDE 17'